For anyone interested in becoming a referee, below is an overview of our "Blackshirt" (non-certified) and "Yellowshirt" (certified) programs. Additional information can be found under the Referee home page tabs on the WSA site. We welcome all youth and adults willing to learn, teach and set a positive example for our young players and community.

TO WORK IN WESTPORT, ALL REFEREES must register as a referee on the WSA site: www.westportsoccer.org > Referees

WSA BLACKSHIRT

A WSA BLACKSHIRT is a non certified entry-level Rec league referee who can only officiate WSA Rec games (played on Saturdays). To officiate, a Blackshirt must be entering 6th grade or higher. No experience is necessary, however, it is essential to learn the Laws of the Game. Our program is a terrific opportunity for our youth to get involved, gain valuable experience, and make money too! Blackshirt training for the spring season is done through WSA in late March and early September for the fall. Training for all referees at any level continues through the season on the field with our adult referee mentors.

OUR BLACKSHIRT PROGRAM HAS REACHED CAPACITY. Any registrations after 8/21/18 will be placed on a waitlist

A YELLOWSHIRT referee requires USSF certification. Yellowshirts can officiate Travel games and Rec games. To qualify, you must be age 13 or older by December 31, 2018. Entry level "Grass Roots" certification starts at grade 8* (*this is the referee level, not school grade) moving up to grade 7, 6 5, etc. Certification is done through the state and requires completing an online course/test and in-class/field training.

RE-CERTIFICATION is necessary each year for ALL current Yellowshirts. REcertification for 2019 is currently OPEN on www.ctreferee.net until November 30, 2018. If you do not pass the online re-cert test, you will need to take the entire entry level program over again (online test and inclass sessions) and pay the $93.95 fee. Annual re-certification opens in August and runs through November 2018.

We are very proud of our dedicated referees and our successful referee program. Thank you for your interest in working in Westport.